Heidi Olesen, Patient Care Coordinator
Jeanine LeBlanc, Emergency Department Manager
Riverwood Healthcare Center is pleased to welcome Jeanine LeBlanc as manager of the emergency department and Heidi Olesen in a new role as patient care coordinator.
In addition to managing the emergency department where she has worked as a registered nurse for the past six years, Jeanine LeBlanc oversees the hospital’s infusion center, cardiopulmonary services (cardiac stress testing, inpatient respiratory care, cardiac rehabilitation and sleep study) as well as invasive procedural radiology services.
“Jeanine is a very talented clinician and Riverwood will benefit by having her in a leadership role,” says Kristine Layne, chief nursing officer for Riverwood. “She is respected and trusted by those who have worked side by side with her. She has a quest for knowledge and will excel in this new endeavor.”
In her 16 years of nursing experience at Riverwood, LeBlanc has worked in many roles within the hospital, including as first responder in the emergency department, trauma and stroke coordinator, and assisting with cardiac stress testing. She set up the First Responder group in Palisade about 15 years ago.
“What I like the most about my job is the excellent team we have at Riverwood,” LeBlanc says. “In our roles of medical tech, nurse or provider, we come together to offer patients comprehensive, seamless care.”
LeBlanc holds a bachelor’s of science degree in nursing and is certified as an emergency medical technician. She serves on the boards for North East Regional Trauma Committee as well as the Arrowhead Board of Directors.
A native of Palisade, Jeanine LeBlanc and husband Craig have three children–Kelsey, Kayla and Kevin. She enjoy walks outdoors and working on her flower gardens.
As patient care coordinator, Heidi Olesen, registered nurse, is part of the Patient Centered Medical Home (PCMH) Steering Committee at Riverwood. PCMH is a new model of team-based care focusing on wellness and disease prevention while placing control of health care choices in the hands of the patient.
Olesen acts as a liaison between patients and the healthcare system, including ensuring that all providers involved in a patient’s care share important clinical information. In this new role, she will ensure that Riverwood patients receive the care they need and that they understand their medical condition, medications and other instructions. In addition, she links patients to community resources and follows up with patients within a few days of an emergency room visit or hospital discharge.
“Heidi hit the ground running and has already been a great addition to our care team,” says Jon Rauen, clinic administrator for Riverwood. “The collaborative work Heidi is doing with our providers and nurses in support of Riverwood’s PCMH efforts will have a significant positive and lasting impact on the care we provide both today and in the future.”
With 19 years of nursing experience, Olesen most recently worked as a school nurse for the Aitkin Public Schools. Previously, she worked at Riverwood as a registered nurse in the areas of medical surgical, emergency medicine, intensive care unit, and occupational health.
“I am very excited to be back at Riverwood after 12 years,” Olesen says. “For 15 years I worked as a public health nurse, focusing on primary prevention and health promotion for specific populations and communities. This was great experience for my current job, which involves educating patients and connecting them to resources.”
Olesen earned a licensed practical nurse degree from Brainerd Staples Technical College, an associate registered nurse degree from Central Lakes College, and a degree in public health nursing from St. Scholastica. In addition, she holds a master’s degree in education from Hamline University.
A native of Palisade, Heidi Olesen is married to Kent and they have two children, Charlotte and Everett. She enjoys gardening, cooking, and spending time with family.